Say you've just got a fancy new compressor and notice it was loaded with tons of presets.…Descriptions like "best vocal sound ever" and "snare to die for" fill this list, and…you're thinking, this is it, I finally unlocked the secrets of mixing by…purchasing this plug-in and all my problems are solved.…While there's no doubt that presets are excellent starting points for…discovering the features of a new tool,…when it comes to presets for dynamics processors, there are a few simple rules…to follow to set yourself up for success.…

First off, dynamics presets can actually be pretty awesome and often do exactly…what you're looking for right out of the gate--if you know how to use them.…The secret to using compression presets is to understand that the preset has no…idea what kind of signal level is coming in.…Therefore, the default threshold and makeup gain settings are almost always…going to be completely wrong,…either giving you too much compression, too little compression, or even worse, clipping.…

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Author

Updated

1/10/2014

Released

12/22/2011

In this first installment of the Foundations of Audio series, author Brian Lee White shows how to improve the sound of a mix with compressors, limiters, gates, de-essers, and other dynamic processors. The course explains the fundamentals of sound waves, and amplitude, explores common compressor controls, and shows how to eliminate unwanted noise using gates and expanders. The course also demonstrates best practices in compression and limiting in a variety of audio applications and covers sculpting the attack and decay of individual notes with transient shapers and applying frequency specific dynamics control with multiband compressors. Exercise files accompany the course and include special Get in the Mix session files.

Topics include:

Measuring amplitude

Understanding dynamic range

Introducing compressors

Utilizing compression ratios

Applying attack and release

Evening out a vocal performance with compression

Adding punch and sustain to drums

Using compression presets intelligently

How to record with compression

Solving common mix problems with limiters

De-essing a vocal track

Using gates and expanders

Controlling frequency content with multiband compressors

Using sidechains creatively

Keying gates and compressors

Fixing overcompressed tracks

Using mixbus compression

Working with parallel compression

Compression and limiting best practices

Skill Level Appropriate for all

2h 25m

Duration

829,819

Views

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Q: This course was updated on 1/10/2014. What changed?

A: The Get in the Mix videos have been
updated to the most recent version of Pro Tools. Also, the course now
includes free Get in the Mix sessions for two more DAWs: Logic Pro X and Pro
Tools 11.